Acts 9:32-Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. NKJV
Paul had a dramatic conversion in Damascus. He began his ministry by preaching in Damascus, though many were hesitant to trust him. However, the Jews were not as skeptical about his conversion and plotted to kill him for switching sides. Now the persecutor has become the persecuted. In Damascus, he is let down from the wall in a large basket. And in Jerusalem, they attempted to kill him. So the disciples helped him to escape.
Paul, being a Jew amongst Jews, felt compelled to preach this gospel to his brethren. But it was neither his purpose, nor his time. It was time for Peter to minister to the Jews.
In verse 32, Peter is traveling throughout the region to spread the message of Jesus. As the apostle to the Jews, he is fulfilling the mission that Jesus had given to him. As we continue to read in the ninth chapter, we find that Peter has come to Lydda.
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
Acts 9:32 NKJV
Lydda was a city where the people of Jerusalem traveled to connect with the route that would take them to Gaza and Egypt. It is believed that the people of Lydda were most likely of Jewish heritage because it was a Jewish city with people who attended the feasts in Jerusalem, according to the Maccabees and Keener. Lydda was also one of the ten governing districts of the time. And so, it would make sense that Peter would travel to such a significant city as he purposed to share the gospel.
When he arrived in Lydda, he found a man named Aeneas:
There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.
Acts 9:33 NKJV
According to Keener, Luke often mentioned a person’s illness and how long they suffered. In this case, Aeneas had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. We can speculate as to why he was paralyzed, but it is not important in the context of what is happening. When Peter saw him, Peter spoke to him:
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.
Acts 9:34 NKJV
Immediately! Just like that! The man got up, completely healed. Not by Peter’s power, but by the power of Jesus’ name! Luke draws our attention to the fact that Peter was able to heal the man because Jesus had empowered His disciples to continue the work that He had started. As a result of this amazing healing, Luke stated:
So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
Luke 9:35 NKJV
This miracle was so unusual, so supernatural that it caused people to give their lives to the Lord in Lydda and Sharon. Although we know and understand that everyone isn’t drawn to Jesus who sees or hears of a miracle, many are drawn to Him. And so Peter has the distinct pleasure to lead many to the Lord because God used him to heal Aeneas.
Not far from Lydda was the city of Joppa. And while Peter was in Lydda, they sent for him:
And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
Acts 9:38 NKJV
The disciples had obviously heard that Peter had been used of God to heal Aeneas. This would have been important to them because they had a need for a miracle in Joppa:
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
Acts 9:36-37 NKJV
Tabitha had been a woman of good works! The people of Joppa loved her because she had done many things for the people of Joppa. Maybe she clothed the poor, or provided clothes for children, or gave to good causes after she made her money. We can’t be sure! All we know is that the women showed Peter the beautiful tunics and garments she made while she was alive when he arrived in the upper room, so they had to a significant part of her life and ministry.
And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
Acts 9:39 NKJV
It wasn’t weeping widows that the situation needed at that time, although we have all lost a loved one and wept over them. What’s sadder than people weeping over a loved one, is somebody dying and no one cried because they were gone!
If they were going to get a miracle, then they needed somebody who believed God would give them a miracle. And that’s why they had sent for Peter. And when he arrived, he assessed the situation and put everybody out of the room.
But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
Acts 9:40-41 NKJV
Have you ever wondered how long you have to pray to get a miracle? I have wondered. I think the answer to that varies in time, just not in assurance. I believe you pray until you have an assurance that God has answered you! So Peter prayed and then commanded her to arise. When he did, Tabitha opened her eyes. She was alive!
Peter had walked with Jesus for three and half years, according to scholars. As a result, he had seen Jesus do some incredible works! Including healing someone who was paralyzed and raising the dead. And now, as His disciple, Peter was doing the same things.
Lately, I have been praying to see these kinds of miracles in the church again. I hear about miracles around the world, and sometimes amongst the people I know. But I have been seeking the face of God to see Him once again move amongst His people with favor and power, with signs and wonders.
The picture I have posted is of a woman of God named Delia Knox. As I was reading this section of chapter nine, Sis. Delia Knox came to my mind, and I believe it was for me to share her testimony with you. Delia was in a car accident that left her paralyzed. Listen to hear testimony and see the God of miracles at work! Wonderful Jesus!
Wonderful Jesus! 